Cars for the President

Cars for the President

The presentation of two Enterprise cars at the Merdeka presidential palace on Thursday was realization of a promise made earlier by the (South Korean) KIA car manufacturers to Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid). When the promise was made during Gus Dur's visit to Korea some time ago the news did not attract much attention. The presence of the gift Enterprise cars at the state palace, however, does raise a question: Is it proper for the President to accept such expensive gifts, or whatever one may call them?

The presence of these two luxury cars, for whatever reason they were given, is certain to raise suspicions. The point is that KIA was the maker of the Timor cars -- a project that is still having problems over unpaid import duties and as a result the project is under threat of closure by the government.

It would be wise for Gus Dur to reject the two automobiles as it will be difficult to convince a critical public that there is no hidden purpose behind the gift. Besides, Gus Dur should not let cases like this mar the modesty and humility that characterize his leadership.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta